Fetterman and McCormick talk U.S. Steel, foreign policy, ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ and more

Calling out “pointless kinds of fighting,” Pennsylvania’s two first-term senators met on Monday morning to have a bipartisan discussion on key issues affecting the commonwealth and the country. 

Bouncing between foreign policy and domestic economic issues, Democratic U.S. Sen. John Fetterman – wearing his ubiquitous Carhartt hoodie-and-shorts combo – and Republican U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick – in a full suit – kept their disagreements civil while concurring on more priorities than some may have anticipated. 

“Just because it might come from the White House right now, that doesn’t mean I’m going to absolutely oppose that or describe that as something terrible,” Fetterman said Monday on his approach to bipartisanship. “It’s getting more and more punitive to just agree with some of these things.”

The event, co-hosted by Fox Nation at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute in Boston, was the sixth installment of the Senate Project series by the Kennedy Institute and the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation.

Fetterman and McCormick touched on topics of foreign policy as well as issues related to the U.S. Steel sale and ongoing spending talks. 

State affairs and antisemitism

Following an attack on a Boulder, Colorado gathering that supported Israeli hostages in Gaza over the weekend and citing the arson attack at Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence, the two began the event by speaking out against antisemitism. 

Fetterman, whose outspoken support for Israel has led to criticism from many, including in his own party, said legislative solutions are needed to address antisemitism, particularly online and on college campuses. 

“We’ve lost the argument in parts of my party and, for me, that moral clarity is firmly on Israel,” Fetterman said while recognizing the “tragedy in Gaza.” 

“If you have been troubled, as I am, with the death and misery, I think we should blame Iran and Hamas … I refuse to turn Israel into a pariah state,” Fetterman said. 

McCormick said there must be “constant pressure on Hamas” and that Israel must “ensure humanitarian aid is available” to those in Gaza. 

Continuing along the lines of foreign policy, both agreed that Russia was the aggressor in the war with Ukraine, but argued that European countries must provide more support and that harder sanctions must be put in place to “hold Russia accountable.”

“I am firmly on the side for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan … it’s part of the global struggle and standing with democracy,” Fetterman said. “That’s always going to be the side (where) I’m going to remain.”

McCormick, while largely agreeing with Fetterman, placed blame on former President Joe Biden, arguing that Russia was emboldened by a lack of leadership in Washington. 

“I don’t think we would have been in this situation had we not had the Biden administration” and weak, mixed signaling, McCormick said. “We have to give Ukraine confidence that their sovereignty is going to be protected in the future.”

U.S. Steel and economic stances

Touching on a hot topic in Western Pennsylvania and beyond, the senators each gave their opinion on the proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel, a move both said would result in the loss of quality union jobs in the commonwealth. 

“That steel way of life has been in the region since 1875,” Fetterman said, noting that any agreement must take into account the needs of workers and investment in the nation’s industries. “It’s all about protecting the way of life for these union workers here … and the billions of those kinds of investments (made) in America.”

McCormick, adding that many steelworkers supported President Trump, said negotiating has been done to protect “the heart of steel country.” 

“The deal that was on the table is a dramatically different deal than the deal that’s happening now,” he said. “(It) offers $14 billion in new investment in domestic steel, saves the jobs (and ensures) U.S. Steel is still headquartered in Pittsburgh.”

The two differed on the “Big Beautiful Bill” – the budget package that contains President Donald Trump’s second-term agenda priorities – that recently passed in the U.S. House, with Fetterman questioning the concept of removing benefits for some of the most vulnerable populations. 

McCormick heralded the bill as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for the GOP-led House, Senate and White House to come together on quality domestic policy. He argued the “pro-growth” tax policies in the bill, alongside investments in homeland security, are vital to reducing government spending and ensuring border security. 

“I think when it comes to the Senate, we’re going to try to find ways to further reduce the cost of government,” McCormick said, adding that government spending is “just stealing from the future of our kids.” 

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office agrees with McCormick, estimating that the bill is projected to add $3 trillion to $5 trillion to deficits over the next 10 years, which would dwarf any savings generated from the Department of Government Efficiency – a talking point GOP leadership has pointed out as a cost-savings measure. 

Fetterman, on the other hand, sees potential cuts to Medicaid and nutrition programs as a dealbreaker. While recognizing the need for increased border security, Fetterman said he’s not in favor of taking away SNAP benefits from those in need of food assistance. 

“It’s not because they just want some free stuff, it’s just because they don’t have enough to eat,” Fetterman said, assuring he doesn’t want to take benefits away from vulnerable people. 

Fetterman added that the Democratic Party has lost its way when it comes to immigration messaging. 

“I’ve lost some support in my party (for saying) that I thought the border was really important and our party did not handle the border appropriately,” he said, stating that being a “pro-immigration” Democrat who also wants a “secure border” has led people to believe his values changed once he went to Washington. 

“Sometimes that puts me at odds with my party and my base, who assume that I’ve changed my values … that’s never changed,” Fetterman said. 

Fetterman’s appearance at the event came after weeks of criticism and skepticism about his ability to commit to the job and meet with constituents, as well as his overall mental health. 

Reports have portrayed Fetterman as an absentee lawmaker whose staff is concerned about his mental well-being. In response, Fetterman told the New York Times the reporting had catalyzed his increased attendance at procedural votes and committee hearings, and that he thought sharing his struggles with depression two years ago had been “weaponized” against him.

McCormick, who’s had to answer questions regarding his top priorities and President Donald Trump’s approach to immigration and the economy, recently spoke with City & State on those topics and his approach to legislation. 

Both senators recognized the importance of avoiding across-the-aisle antics and seeking common ground given the political diversity of Pennsylvania and its communities. 

“We are going to disagree and vote on different things,” Fetterman said. “But for me, it’s about trying to find the things we can win together and deliver those kinds of wins for Pennsylvania and, ultimately, for America.”